Influenza viruses usually spread from person to person, through the flu-infected sneezing and coughing. They can also spread when a person touches a contaminated surface then touches the eyes, nose or mouth. It is crucial to protect one's self and family against the diseases that may result, especially now that there are emerging illnesses that can be fatal.


The swine flu outbreak is a serious health issue that is increasingly making people around the world more vigilant. Scores of people have already gotten infected with the swine flu or A(H1N1 virus in 21 countries including Mexico and the U.S. There are safety precautions being implemented in airports, and information is being disseminated through different channels to keep the populace warned about the disease.

As with any distressing global health matter, people are advised to remain calm and arm themselves with knowledge. Below are some facts about swine flu that must be remembered and understood.

-A(H1N1 virus is a new influenza virus detected in April 2009, with the earliest cases seen in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

-Several countries periodically vaccinate swine populations against swine flu. But a previously undetected variant virus has spread to humans, transmitted by infected people through coughing or sneezing.

-Infected persons will manifest symptoms similar to seasonal flu, fever,cough,runny nose,loss of appetite,nausea,fatigue,body aches and diarrhea will be experienced. Sever pneumonia can be fatal.

-Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir and zanamavir have been recommended to treat infections. A swine flu vaccine for humans is still being developed.

-The World Health Organization (WHO)'s raising of pandemic levels means that there is widespread human-to-human influenza and virus transmissions.

To prevent the spread of this swine flu or A(H1N1) virus, people are advised to follow this tips:

-When sneezing or coughing, tissues must be used to cover the mouth. If you don't have a tissue, cough into your elbow.

-People are advised to keep rubbing alcohol or hand cleaners handy, or to routinely wash hands with water and soap.

-Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unclean hands.

-Use disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces. Germs can also be spread when a person touches an infected surface and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose.

-Those exhibiting flu like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

-Home, work and other enclosed environments must be cleaned thoroughly.

-The usual health practices, such as proper exercise, diet and sufficient sleep strengthen the body and its defenses.

-Bathroom surfaces and commonly touched objects are potential breeding grounds for microbes and other unseen menaces, so disinfectants must be used.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that registered disinfectants effective against influenza A are also effective against A(H1N1) flu viruses on non-porous surfaces.
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1. Reduce stress.

This is to avoid the risks of stroke, especially among men. According to recent studies, stress that resulted from work doubles the risk of stroke for the said gender. Complete time for relaxation may help to reduce stress, like having a casual walk, some happy moments with your love ones or even watching comedy series on TV will alleviate stress.


2. Avoid Colds.

This can be done if you can have a complete and good sleep every night. People having 8 hours sleep or more at night have a three times less chance to get colds especially those exposed to cold virus than those persons with just 7 hours sleep or even less. According to research, having less time sleeping may result to reduced immune system of the body which is not a good thing.

3. Maintain Good Cholesterol.

Having complete minerals from daily dose of multivitamins may help to avoid common conditions such as hypertension, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL "good" cholesterol and obesity.

4. Protect Your Hips.

This can be done by stopping or avoiding smoking. Women who are not exposed to smoking or the smoke generated have a good defense. Based on studies, anyone who may or indirectly inhales cigarette smoke a day in a week has 67% risk factor of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD) - which thins the blood vessels on the hips which results to blood clots and severe pain. Carbon monoxide and nicotine from cigarette smoking may result to fatty deposits on blood vessels, according to doctors.




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